Question: Can I name my Jewish baby after his father (who is alive) and call him Junior?
I really want to name my son "Ethan Junior" after his father. My parents say that Jews just do not name a baby after a living relative and don't use "Jr.". They say it is a very "goyisha" thing to do, and it is even a curse. Is this true?
Answer: You ask about the possibility of naming a baby boy, "Ethan Junior." You are concerned that naming a son after his father (who is, thank goodness, still alive) would be considered "goyisha."
It is true that there is a strong bias against naming a child after a living relative in Ashkenazic tradition. This is largely a superstitious belief, related to avoiding the "evil eye." It has little basis in Jewish law. In Sefardic tradition, naming children after living relatives (but not necessarily after a father) is common. Sefardic Jews do not use the appellation "Junior" in naming children after living relatives.
You state that you are particularly concerned about how your parents' feelings might be hurt if you were to name your baby in this way. I would like to suggest to you that this is a serious consideration. Your child's grandparents do have the right to express their opinions on this and, as a matter of respect, you should discuss it with them and give them a chance to explain their feelings to you and your husband before you make your choice.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser
